Aquatic amusement device



y 1961 A. E. HALE AQUATIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed July 10, 1958 ALEX E. HALE INVENTOR. F IG. 5;

BY fl/fiw Patent Cc Patented July 4, 1961 2,991,076 AQUATIC AMUSEMENT DEVI-CE Alex E. Hale, Kermit, Tex. (Rte. 1, Bolivar, Mo.) Filed July 10, 1958, Ser. No. 747,747 1 Claim. (Cl. 2721) This invention relates to amusement devices and has reference to a motorized aquatic vehicle on which swimmers may ride. Generally, the invention is directed to a motorized buoyant body which simulates an animal, such as a horse, but it is to be understood that the device may be made in other forms simulating various animals and birds. Heretofore, such amusement devices had a fixed center of gravity and since the rider straddles the device there has been a problem of establishing a desired balance with reference to the riders weight and position on the device.

An object of the invention is to provide a motorized aquatic amusement device wherein the center of gravity may be selectively shifted to suit the riders requirements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized aquatic device which has a simplified steering mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide an aquatic device of the described class wherein the center of gravity may be shifted by the rider while the device is in motion.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, wherein;

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a motorized aquatic device in accordance with the invention, a rider being shown thereon by means of dotted lines.

'FIGURE 2 is a rear view of the device shown in FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a broken section and elevational view similar to FIGURE 1, but showing means for shifting the center of gravity and means for steering the device.

FIGURE 4 is a transverse section with weight shifting and steering cables removed.

FIGURE 5 is a longitudinal sectional view looking down showing the steering apparatus relative to the pivoted motor.

The illustrated form of the invention includes a hollow buoyant body having a head 11, a tail 12 and simulated legs 13 at the rear of the body to provide a cavity 14 to accommodate an exposed housed propeller shaft 15. The sides of the body depend, as at 16, below the bottom 17, and which depending sides are filled with weights 18 for ballast. The bottom 17 extends toward the propeller shaft where it extends upwardly to provide a vertical wall =19, and thence extends horizontally and rearwardly to provide a support 20 for a motor 21 rotatably mounted thereon. The propeller shaft extends through the horizontal support 20 and is provided with a seal therearound, not shown.

The upper rear portion of the body 10 is removable and thus provides a cover 22 and whereby access to the inner parts of the body may be made when required. The forward portion of the cover 22 may be formed to provide a saddle 23 and the forward end, or horn 24, is provided with a small steering wheel 25 on the upper end of a vertical steering shaft 26. As shown in FIGURES 3 and 4,

the steering shaft 26 is provided with a bearing 27 near its lower end, and which bearing is mounted on a transverse bearing support. The lower end of the shaft 26 has a pulley 29 thereon, and which pulley has a cable 30 engaged thereon and extending to guide pulleys 31 on the sides of the body 10 opposite the motor tiller 32 to which the cable is attached. It will be noted that the lower end of the housed propeller shaft 15, rotated by the tiller 32, has a rearwardly extending propeller 32a and a rudder 33 therebeneath.

A feature of the invention has to do with a longitudinally shiftable weight 34 slidably mounted on the bottom 17 of the body 111. In the present form of the invention the weight 34 is a battery for energizing the motor 21. As shown in FIGURE 3, the battery (weight 34) is connected with the motor 21 by means of an electric cable 35, and which cable includes a switch 36 conveniently located on one side of the saddle horn 24. Longitudinal guides 37 on the body bottom 17 prevent the weight 34 from shifting laterally, yet accommodate longitudinal slidable movement. S elective movement of the weight 34 is carried out by means of a bracket 38 around the weight 34, and the ends of the bracket are connected with a cable 39 extending over forward and rear guide pulleys 40 in horizontal alignment therewith and over an actuating pulley 41 mounted on a transverse shaft 42 extending laterally from the body 10 just forwardly of the from 24. The extending end of the shaft 42 is provided with a hand knob 43 and whereby the rider may conveniently shift the weight 34 forwardly and aft while positioned in the saddle 23.

While the present illustrative form of the invention shows an electric motor 21 and battery 34, it is to be understood that other types of motivating power may be employed. For example, the motor 21 may be a gasoline engine and the weight 34 may be a gasoline tank.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary construction herein shown and dmcribed, but may be made in various ways within the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

An aquatic amusement device comprising a hollow buoyant body in the form of a simulated animal having depending legs, ballast in said legs, an electric motor having a housing rotatably mounted in said body, a propeller having a shaft housing outwardly of said body and connected with said electric motor, means selectively rotating the motor housing and propeller shaft housing about a vertical axis, parallel horizontal forwardly and rearwardl'y extending guides within said body, a rectilinearly movable battery between said guides and adapted to slide between said guides, means electrically connecting said battery with said motor, and cable means extending outwardly of said body selectively moving said battery forwardly and rearwardly between said guides.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 652,243 Brown June 26, 1900 1,718,637 Pento June 25, 1929 2,583,059 Neville Jan. 22, 1952 2,752,617 Fowler et a1. July 3, 1956 2,812,736 Fry Nov. 12, 1957 

